
Are there any support organizations I can contact
for help with breastfeeding?
Yes, you can contact support organizations by phone or email:
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La
Leche League International (LLLI), a non-profit volunteer organization.
1-800-525-3243 or www.lalecheleague.org. |
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International
Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), to find a professional certified
lactation consultant anywhere in the world.
1-919-787-5181 or www.ilca.org. |
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Doulas
of North America trains laypeople to provide childbirth education, labor
support, and assistance with breastfeeding.
1-801-756-7331 or www.dona.com. |
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| For other
organizations, visit the links section. |
I havent had my baby, but Im leaking fluid from
my breasts. Is that normal?
Yes, its a normal by-product of pregnancy and lactation
to leak milk even before you deliver. Although some women never
experience leaking, it is a very individual occurrence. Use breast
pads inside your bra to help keep you comfortable and your clothes
dry.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Weight gain is the most accurate way to tell. A 4-8 oz. increase
per week is normal, but it varies. Also, keep track of diaper changes,
which may start at one or two wet diapers per day. After your milk
supply increases, baby should have five to seven wet diapers and
three to five bowel movements every day. For more detailed information
go to Questions and Concerns,
Is Baby Getting Enough Milk.
When should I start breastfeeding?
Start breastfeeding as soon after birth as possible, ideally within
the first half-hour after delivery (see When
and How to Start Breastfeeding).
How often should I breastfeed?
Nurse frequently the first week or two, about 8-12 times every 24
hours. Once your milk supply is established and your baby has grown,
your baby will probably have a fairly regular feeding schedule (see
When and How to Start
Breastfeeding, How Often and How Long to Breastfeed).
How long do I breastfeed per session?
From 20-45 minutes at first, but it will decrease as you and your
baby become more experienced at breastfeeding (see When
and How to Start Breastfeeding, How Often and How Long to Breastfeed).
How do I know when baby wants to eat?
Look for signs such as sucking fingers or fist, fretful sounds,
open lips, or turning head to the side with mouth open to suck when
the side of babys mouth or cheek is touched (see When
and How to Start Breastfeeding, Your Babys Feeding Cues).
I have an uncomfortable fullness in my breasts. What can
I do about it?
Try breastfeeding your baby more often or use a breast pump to relieve
that hard, hot, or painful feeling known as engorgement (see Questions
and Concerns, Engorgement).
My nipples hurt so much I may quit breastfeeding. Is there
something I can do?
Sore nipples are a common complaint at first and may indicate that
your baby is not positioned properly at the breast. For more detailed
information go to Questions
and Concerns, Sore Nipples.
What is milk let-down?
Milk let-down, or milk ejection reflex (MER), is a hormonal release.
During MER your body pushes milk out of the alveoli and the milk
ducts into the nipple area. Some women feel a physical sensation
and others do not. It varies from woman to woman.
Is there a certain way I should hold my baby while nursing?
There are four common holds for breastfeeding your baby. For complete
information and a photograph of the nursing positions go to When
and How to Start Breastfeeding, Positioning.
I plan to breastfeed, so why should
I consider a breast pump?
A breast pump helps if you are separated from your baby (for instance,
while working), if you become engorged, if you need to increase
a low milk supply, or if baby has trouble latching on because of
inverted or flat nipples (see Why
You Need a Breast Pump).
When I place my order it directs me
to Paypal, is this supposed to happen?
We use Paypal for our payment services, so when you place an order
with us you are directed to Paypal for the payment portion of the
order.
Why do you use Paypal?
Paypal offers large advantages to our customers. It is a flexible
payment form making it possible to accept your checks and all major
credit cards. Paypal already has millions of members and many of
them like its ease of use and buyer protection programs. Paypal
has also made massive investments into its system to provide for
a secure transaction. All things considered we think that there
is simply not a better more secure way to pay for your purchases.
For answers to more of your questions, please go to Breastfeeding
Education.
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